The primary duty of each of our staff members involves guest relations. We are here to serve the needs of our guests and provide them with an outstanding vacation. More specifically, you will be expected to learn their names, engage them in conversation, answer their questions, assist them in any way that you can, and, in sum, be friendly and an ambassador and host for the Vista Verde Ranch.
Below are descriptions for the positions we fill each season. In addition to these specific jobs, there are many other tasks to do on a ranch – many of them unglamorous – and at some point we all jump in and help with whatever needs to get done that day. These duties could include cleaning and maintaining buildings and grounds, cleaning ranch vehicles, hauling trash, doing dishes, etc. No one at the ranch is above any job that needs to get done, and we are looking for those who are excited to join this type of team!
Flyfishing Guide: Flyfishing guides need to be knowledgeable about small water flyfishing, have sound instructional techniques, and have a high degree of patience. As above, if there are no trips going out, guides are expected to help out in other areas of the ranch. Note: We require our guides to carry up-to-date CPR & First Aid certifications before arriving at the ranch.
Front Desk: This position involves helping out in the office, answering phones and general administrative duties. A friendly personality and willingness to help out as needed is a must, as well as an ability to multi-task. The front desk requires someone who is detail oriented and able to change gears at a moment’s notice, as you never know what will come up on a given day.
Hiking/Mountain Biking Guide: Our guides lead hike and bike trips into the surrounding Routt National Forest. Guides need solid outdoor skills, a high degree of fitness, and an outgoing demeanor. If there are no trips going out, guides are expected to help out in other areas of the ranch. Note: We require our guides to carry up-to-date CPR & First Aid certifications before arriving at the ranch.
Housekeeper: Housekeepers are responsible for the daily upkeep and cleanliness of all public ranch buildings and guest accommodations. When the cleaning is complete, housekeepers are expected to help out in other areas of the ranch, such as gardening and other ranch hand chores.
Kid Supervisors: Kid Supervisors lead both trail rides and other activities for young people ages 6-17. Experience with both children and horses is strongly preferred. The hours are long, and the position requires high-energy people who can keep up with the kids. Note: We require our kid supervisors to carry up-to-date CPR & First Aid certifications before arriving at the ranch.
Kitchen Prep: Our kitchen is renowned for producing high quality, gourmet fare. This individual helps our chefs in all aspects of kitchen operation, including preparation of food for meals, simple baking, and light cleaning. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in the culinary arts, or someone who simply enjoys cooking.
Ranch Hand: Landscaping, hot tub maintenance, town errands, and general labor fall to the ranch hands. Experience with various tools, mowers, manual transmissions and driving trailers is preferred, but not required. This position can be physically demanding with long hours outside in the sun.
Waitstaff: Responsibilities include set up of dining room and outdoor meals, serving meals, simple food preparation, and daily cleaning of the dining room. We also expect staff to learn the names and proper service of the different styles of wine on our wine list. Waitstaff must be friendly and able to anticipate the needs of our guests.
Wrangler: It is essential that wranglers have considerable equine experience, as they are responsible for the safety of both our guests and our animals. Wranglers prepare for and lead trail rides, as well as offer riding instruction. Applicants need strong interpersonal skills, and must be willing to work with both adults and children. Note: We require our wranglers to carry up-to-date CPR & First Aid certifications before arriving at the ranch.
Winter
Front Desk: This position involves helping out in the office, answering phones and general administrative duties. A friendly personality and willingness to help out as needed is a must, as well as an ability to multi-task. The front desk requires someone who is detail oriented and able to change gears at a moment’s notice, as you never know what will come up on a given day.
Housekeeper: Housekeepers are responsible for the daily upkeep and cleanliness of all public ranch buildings and guest accommodations. When the cleaning is completed, housekeepers are expected to help out in other areas of the ranch, such as snow removal and other ranch hand chores.
Kitchen Prep: Our kitchen is renowned for producing high quality, gourmet fare. This individual helps our chefs in all aspects of kitchen operation, including preparation of food for meals, simple baking, and light cleaning. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in the culinary arts, or someone who simply enjoys cooking.
Nordic Ski Guide/Instructor: Our guides mainly lead backcountry ski and snowshoe trips into the surrounding Routt National Forest. Guides need solid outdoor skills, a high degree of fitness, and an outgoing demeanor. If there are no trips going out, guides are expected to help out in other areas of the ranch. Note: We require our guides to carry up-to-date CPR & First Aid certifications before arriving at the ranch.
Ranch Hand: Snow removal, hot tub maintenance, town errands, and general labor fall to the ranch hands. Experience with various tools, snow removal equipment, and driving trailers is preferred, but not required. Willingness to work with children is a plus, for the times we have families staying with us.
Waitstaff: Responsibilities include set up of dining room, serving meals, simple food preparation, operating the fireplace, and daily cleaning of the dining room. We also expect staff to learn the names and proper service of the different styles of wine on our wine list. Waitstaff must be friendly and able to anticipate the needs of our guests.
Wrangler: It is essential that wranglers have considerable equine experience, as they are responsible for the safety of both our guests and our animals. Wranglers prepare for and lead trail rides, as well as offer riding instruction. Wranglers also feed the herd daily using a draft team and hay sled, therefore knowledge of driving and harnessing is a plus. Applicants need strong interpersonal skills, and must be willing to work with both adults and children. Note: We require our wranglers to carry up-to-date CPR & First Aid certifications before arriving at the ranch.
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